Hemorrhoids decisions — 2008

The veteran's hemorrhoids are currently rated as noncompensable, and his chronic maxillary sinusitis is rated at 10 percent. The claim for residuals of a left ankle injury remains unresolved.,New evidence submitted since the last rating decision suggests that the veteran's in-service ankle injury may have aggravated an existing condition (varicose veins), potentially reopening the service connection claim.

The veteran's service-connected lumbar spine disability, left lower extremity radiculopathy, and hemorrhoids with recurrent anal fissures have been rated as 20 percent disabling since April 1, 2004.

The veteran's claims for higher ratings for his varicose veins of the left leg and hemorrhoids are being remanded to allow for additional development, including a new VA examination.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a colon disorder, also claimed as diverticulitis, to include as secondary to the service-connected hemorrhoids. The RO has also denied his claims for compensable evaluations for perianal abscess and fistula, and hemorrhoids.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected irritable bowel syndrome warrants a 30% rating, but his service-connected hemorrhoids do not warrant any compensable rating.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected diverticulosis and hemorrhoids do not warrant increased ratings, as their symptoms are not severe enough to meet the criteria for higher rating under applicable VA disability evaluation criteria.

The veteran seeks increased evaluations for his service-connected degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine and hemorrhoids. The current evidence is outdated, and a new examination may be necessary to assess the severity of these conditions.

The veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for a more current and comprehensive evaluation of his service-connected hemorrhoids, including whether there are related disorders of the lower gastrointestinal tract that may be caused or worsened by his service-connected condition. The case will also be reviewed to determine if separate ratings under specific diagnostic codes should be considered.

The Board finds that the veteran does not have current back or neck disabilities that are related to his military service.,Hemorrhoids were noted at the time of enlistment, but there is no evidence they worsened during service.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development and consideration of his claims by the RO or AMC.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a cervix disorder, an allergic skin disorder, hammertoes of the left foot, and hemorrhoids. The appeals are currently pending due to incomplete records regarding the claimed cryogenic procedure during service.

The veteran's tinea pedis warrants an extraschedular disability rating of 50 percent, and his individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities warrants a total disability rating.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for compensable ratings for hemorrhoids and tinea pedis, finding that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating under the applicable VA rating schedule.

The veteran's claim for service connection for hemorrhoids is being remanded due to the absence of a medical nexus opinion and further evidentiary development is needed.

The VA determined that the veteran's hemorrhoid disability does not warrant a compensable rating, as his condition is currently mild and has not worsened to require a higher rating.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for external and internal hemorrhoids and tinea pedis with onychomycosis, finding that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable diagnostic codes.

The veteran's claim for automobile and adaptive equipment is denied as his lower extremity disability is not related to a service-connected condition.

The veteran's service-connected internal hemorrhoids are currently rated as noncompensable (0%) and do not meet the criteria for a compensable rating. The initial disability ratings assigned for his dysthymic disorder and chronic low back strain with arthritis and degenerative disc disease at L5-S1 have been granted.

The veteran's claims for service connection for post-traumatic stress disorder, residuals of an injury to the right big toe, and hemorrhoids were denied as there was no current diagnosis or evidence of a relationship between these conditions and his military service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected hemorrhoids do not warrant a rating in excess of 10 percent, and his TDIU claim is denied as his combined disability evaluation does not meet the criteria for a total disability rating.